Frame structure

Abstract

To provide a frame structure enabling a user to easily lift and carry a vehicle body.SOLUTION: A seat frame 14 has a through hole 25a that pierces in a lateral direction an area within a fore-and-aft width and vertical width of the seat frame 14 in a side view. A grip part 28a lying along an upper edge of the through hole 25a is formed to be flat and extend in a fore-and-aft direction. The grip part 28a is formed with at least one of the seat frame 14 and a cover member.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a frame structure.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, there has been a frame structure including a main frame extending rearward from a head pipe and a seat frame disposed above the main frame to support a seat (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In the case of a bicycle as described above, when a user who has dismounted lifts and transports the vehicle body, the space formed between the frame members may be used to utilize the frame members as handles. Further, for example, in the case of a lightweight vehicle such as a road bike, a band made of leather or the like may be stretched between the down tube and the seat tube to serve as a handle. However, in the case of the above-described countermeasures, in the case of a heavy vehicle such as an electric assist vehicle or a downhill bike, there is a problem that a large load is applied to the frame or the band, and the burden on the user's hand is also large.

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and provides a frame structure that enables a user to easily lift and transport the vehicle body.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] As a means for solving the above problems, a first aspect of the present invention is a frame structure including a head pipe (11), a main frame (12) extending rearward from the head pipe (11), and a seat frame (14) disposed above the main frame (12) and supporting a seat (7). In the seat frame (14), a through hole (25a) penetrating in the left-right direction in a region within the front-rear width and the up-down width of the seat frame (14) in a side view is provided, and a gripping portion (28a) along the upper edge of the through hole (25a) is formed in a flat shape extending in the front-rear direction. According to this configuration, by forming a through hole in the seat frame above the main frame and forming the gripping portion along the upper edge of the through hole in a flat shape extending in the front-rear direction, a handle for gripping the gripping portion on the inner peripheral wall of the through hole can be formed on the seat frame. Thereby, it is possible to easily lift and carry a device such as a vehicle to which the frame structure is applied. By providing an inner peripheral wall surrounding the hole inner space over the entire circumference, the hole inner space is separated from the structural components around the seat frame, and the hand passed through the through hole does not contact the frame peripheral components and is not hindered in its movement, making it easy to grip the seat frame and suppressing dirt on the hand. The gripping portion may be provided with uneven portions that make it easier to grip in addition to the flat surface. In this case, it is possible to more easily grip the seat frame.

[0007] A second aspect of the present invention is characterized in that, in the first aspect, the gripping portion (28a) is formed in a planar shape extending in the vehicle width direction. According to this configuration, by forming the gripping portion in a planar shape extending in the vehicle width direction, the burden on the fingers can be suppressed even when the user hangs the fingers passed through the through hole on the gripping portion to lift the seat frame.

[0008] The third aspect of the present invention is, in the second aspect described above, provided with an inner peripheral wall (27) that surrounds the inner space (25b) of the through hole (25a) over the entire circumference. The inner peripheral wall (27) is formed by a peripheral wall rib (27a) that extends in the left - right direction over the entire circumference at the periphery of the through hole (25a). The part of the peripheral wall rib (27a) that forms the gripping part (28a) is formed thicker than the part that forms the other parts of the peripheral wall rib (27a). According to this configuration, by forming the part of the peripheral wall rib that forms the gripping part thickly, when gripping the upper part of the seat frame and lifting the vehicle, the strength and rigidity of the gripping part that bears the most load can be increased. By forming the parts that form the other parts except the gripping part thinly, the weight of the seat frame can be reduced.

[0009] The fourth aspect of the present invention is, in the third aspect described above, characterized by being provided with an inner peripheral rib (31) that extends from the peripheral wall rib (27a) toward the inside of the through hole (25a) at a part other than the gripping part (28a) at the periphery of the through hole (25a). According to this configuration, by providing the inner peripheral rib at a part other than the gripping part of the through hole, while suppressing the influence on the hand when gripping the upper part of the seat frame by putting a hand on the gripping part, the strength and rigidity around the through hole can be increased.

[0010] The fifth aspect of the present invention is, in the third or fourth aspect described above, characterized by being provided with connecting ribs (32, 33) that connect the peripheral wall rib (27a) and the frame outer peripheral ribs (23a, 23b). According to this configuration, by connecting the frame outer peripheral rib along the outer peripheral edge of the seat frame and the peripheral wall rib along the periphery of the through hole with the connecting rib, the peripheral wall rib can be reinforced and the strength and rigidity around the through hole can be increased.

[0011] The sixth aspect of the present invention is, in the above fifth aspect, the frame outer peripheral ribs (23a, 23b) include a plurality of rib connection portions (32a, 32b, 33a, 33b) that connect the connection ribs (32, 33), and the connection ribs (32, 33) connect the plurality of rib connection portions (32a, 32b, 33a, 33b) of the frame outer peripheral ribs (23a, 23b) to each other. According to this configuration, by connecting a pair of the plurality of rib connection portions of the frame outer peripheral ribs with the connection ribs, the frame outer peripheral ribs are reinforced, the strength and rigidity of the outer peripheral portion of the seat frame are increased, and the strength and rigidity around the through hole can be increased.

[0012] The seventh aspect of the present invention is, in the above fifth or sixth aspect, the peripheral wall rib (27a), the frame outer peripheral ribs (23a, 23b), and the connection ribs (32, 33) are characterized by extending along the left - right direction. According to this configuration, since each rib of the seat frame extends along the left - right direction, when forming a seat frame having a through hole in the left - right direction by casting or forging, it can be easily formed by parting in the left - right direction, and the strength and rigidity can be increased.

[0013] The eighth aspect of the present invention is, in any one of the above first to seventh aspects, the main frame (12) has a hollow closed cross - sectional portion (16) and extends, and the seat frame (14) has an open cross - sectional portion (21) that opens to the outside in the left - right direction and extends from the main frame (12). According to this configuration, the main frame has a hollow closed cross - sectional portion, and the seat frame has an open cross - sectional portion that opens to the outside in the left - right direction, thereby reducing the weight of the entire vehicle body frame. The main frame has a closed cross - sectional portion to ensure strength and rigidity, and the seat frame has an open cross - sectional portion to achieve weight reduction and ease of manufacture while ensuring appropriate strength and rigidity by the arrangement of the ribs.

[0014] The ninth aspect of the present invention is, in any one of the above first to eighth aspects, characterized by including a cover member (35a) that covers the seat frame (14) from the outside in the left - right direction. According to this configuration, by covering the seat frame from the outside in the left-right direction with the cover member, the seat frame can be protected and the appearance can be improved.

[0015] A tenth aspect of the present invention is, in the ninth aspect described above, the cover member (35a) includes a cover through-hole forming portion (38) that forms a cover through-hole (38a) that overlaps with the through-hole (25a) of the seat frame (14) in a side view, and the cover through-hole forming portion (38) has an inclined portion (38b) that inclines so as to spread with respect to the through-hole (25a) in a side view from the side of the through-hole (25a) of the seat frame (14) toward the outer surface on the outer side in the left-right direction of the cover member (35a), with the outer side in the left-right direction being wider. According to this configuration, since the cover through-hole forming portion includes the inclined portion that inclines so as to spread with respect to the through-hole from the outer side in the left-right direction, when trying to reach for the through-hole from the outer side in the left-right direction, the hand is guided by the inclined portion and it becomes easier to pass through the through-hole, making it easier to grip the upper part of the seat frame.

[0016] An eleventh aspect of the present invention is, in the ninth or tenth aspect described above, the cover member (35a) includes a cover through-hole forming portion (38) that forms a cover through-hole (38a) that overlaps with the through-hole (25a) of the seat frame (14) in a side view, and the cover through-hole forming portion (38) includes an upper surface cover portion (38c) that covers the gripping portion (28a) of the seat frame (14). According to this configuration, since the cover member of the seat frame covers the gripping portion of the seat frame, when the seat frame is made of metal and the cover member is made of resin, the touch feeling on the gripping portion side becomes soft, and it becomes easier to grip the upper part of the seat frame by placing a hand on the gripping portion side.

[0017] The twelfth aspect of the present invention is a frame structure including a head pipe (11), a main frame (12) extending rearward from the head pipe (11), a seat frame (14) disposed above the main frame (12) and supporting a seat (7), and a cover member (35a) covering the seat frame (14) from the outside in the left-right direction. In the seat frame (14), a through-hole forming portion (25) that forms a through-hole (25a) penetrating in the left-right direction in a region within the front-rear width and the up-down width of the seat frame (14) in a side view is provided. The through-hole forming portion (25) includes an inner peripheral wall (27) surrounding the inner space (25b) of the through-hole (25a) over the entire circumference of the through-hole (25a). A gripping portion (28a) along the upper edge of the through-hole (25a) on the inner peripheral wall (27) is formed in a flat shape extending in the front-rear direction by at least one of the seat frame (14) and the cover member (35a). According to this configuration, a through-hole is formed in the seat frame above the main frame, and the gripping portion along the upper edge of the through-hole on the inner peripheral wall surrounding the inner space of the through-hole is formed in a flat shape extending in the front-rear direction, so that a handle for gripping by putting a hand on the gripping portion of the inner peripheral wall of the through-hole can be formed on the seat frame. Thereby, it is possible to easily lift and carry equipment such as a vehicle to which the frame structure is applied. The through-hole forming portion includes an inner peripheral wall surrounding the inner space of the through-hole over the entire circumference, so that the inner space is separated from the structural components around the seat frame, and the hand passing through the through-hole does not contact the frame peripheral components and is not hindered in movement, making it easy to grip the seat frame and suppressing dirt on the hand. By forming the gripping portion of the inner peripheral wall by at least one of the seat frame and the cover member, it is possible to easily meet the requirements (strength and rigidity, appearance, touch, ease of manufacture, etc.) required when providing a handle.

Effect of the Invention

[0018] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a frame structure that enables a user to easily lift and carry the vehicle body.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0019]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

Figure 10

Figure 11

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0020] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In addition, the directions such as front, rear, left, and right in the following description are the same as the directions in the vehicle described below unless otherwise specified. Also, in the figures used in the following description, at appropriate positions, an arrow FR indicating the front of the vehicle, an arrow LH indicating the left side of the vehicle, an arrow UP indicating the upper side of the vehicle, and a line CL indicating the center of the vehicle body left and right are shown. In the embodiments, the term "intermediate" is intended to include not only the center between both ends of the object but also the inner range between both ends of the object.

[0021] FIG. 1 is a left side view of a bicycle 1 as an example of a vehicle to which the frame structure of the embodiment is applied. For example, the bicycle 1 is an electric assist bicycle that generates auxiliary power by an electric motor (assist motor) according to the pedaling force applied to the pedals. The bicycle 1 has a drive unit 2 mounted on the lower part of the vehicle body frame 10, and a battery 3 is mounted along a main frame 12 extending rearward and downward from a head pipe 11 in the vehicle body frame 10. Note that the drive unit 2 may be used as a prime mover that runs the bicycle 1 only by the motor output. In the figure, reference numeral 4 denotes a front wheel, reference numeral 5 denotes a rear wheel, reference numeral 6 denotes a handle, and reference numeral 7 denotes a seat, respectively.

[0022] For example, the bicycle 1 is used in a competition in which it runs on an unpaved course and competes for time. The front wheel 4 of the bicycle 1 can absorb the impact from the road surface by the operation of the front suspension 8. The rear wheel 5 of the bicycle can absorb the impact from the road surface by the operation of the rear suspension 9. The front suspension 8 includes, for example, a pair of left and right front forks 8a. The rear suspension 9 includes, for example, a single cushion unit 9b and a swing arm 9a. The bicycle is provided with front and rear disc brakes 4a and 5a on the front wheel 4 and the rear wheel 5, respectively.

[0023] FIG. 2 is a left side view of the vehicle body frame 10 and the frame cover 35 of the bicycle 1, and FIG. 3 is a left side view of the vehicle body frame 10. As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the vehicle body frame 10 of the bicycle 1 supports a large load by increasing rigidity, while enhancing maneuverability by imparting flexibility partially. The vehicle body frame 10 is made of, for example, an aluminum alloy and is covered with a frame cover 35 made of synthetic resin from both the left and right sides. The frame cover 35 constitutes a part of the frame structure of the embodiment.

[0024] The vehicle body frame 10 is configured by integrally connecting a plurality of types of frame members by welding, fastening, etc. The vehicle body frame 10 includes a head pipe 11 located at the front end, a main frame 12 that obliquely extends rearward and downward from the rear side of the head pipe 11, a pivot frame 13 connected to the rear lower end of the main frame 12, and a seat frame 14 that extends rearward and slightly upward from the upper side of the middle part between the front and rear of the main frame 12.

[0025] A stem pipe (not shown) is inserted into the head pipe 11 and is rotatably supported. The lower end of the stem pipe protrudes below the head pipe 11, and a lower bracket 8b is integrally rotatably attached to this lower end. The upper ends of the left and right front forks 8a are supported by the lower bracket 8b. The front wheels 4 are supported at the lower ends of the left and right front forks 8a. The upper end of the stem pipe protrudes above the head pipe 11, and a bar handle 6 is integrally rotatably attached to this upper end.

[0026] Referring to FIGS. 8 and 9 together, the main frame 12 includes a closed cross-sectional portion 16 that extends obliquely rearward and downward from the head pipe 11. The closed cross-sectional portion 16 has upper and lower walls and left and right side walls 16c, and the lower wall 16b has a trapezoidal cross-sectional shape that is wider in the left-right direction than the upper wall 16a. By extending the closed cross-sectional portion 16 in the front-rear direction, weight reduction and high rigidity of the main frame 12 are achieved. In the closed cross-sectional portion 16, the upper wall 16a (front upper wall 16a1) of the portion located above and in front of the seat frame 14 is narrower in the left-right width than the upper wall 16a (rear upper wall 16a2) of the portion located below and behind the seat frame 14.

[0027] The main frame 12 includes a pair of left and right lower side walls 17a that extend so as to be continuous with the lower sides of the left and right side walls 16c. Below the closed cross-sectional portion 16, an open cross-sectional portion 17 that is open downward is formed by the lower wall 16b and the left and right lower side walls 17a. A part (upper part) of the battery 3 can be detachably attached within the open cross-sectional portion 17. At the corner sandwiched between the rear upper wall 16a2 of the main frame 12 and the lower part of the seat frame 14 in a side view, a front cushion support portion 18 for supporting the front end portion of the rear cushion 9b is provided.

[0028] The pivot frame 13 includes a pivot portion 13a that supports the front end portion of the swing arm 9a so as to be vertically swingable. A notch portion 13b is formed at the front portion of the pivot frame 13 along the outer shape in a side view of the drive unit 2. The pivot frame 13 includes a front extension portion 13c that extends to the upper front side of the notch portion 13b. Unit fixing portions 13d for fixing the drive unit 2 are respectively provided at three locations, namely, the upper and lower portions of the front extension portion 13c and the pivot portion 13a.

[0029] The swing arm 9a has a V shape that is convex upward in a side view. The front end portion of the swing arm 9a is connected to the pivot portion 13a via a pivot shaft 9c along the left - right direction. The rear wheel 5 is supported at the rear end portion of the swing arm 9a. A rear cushion support portion 9d for supporting the rear end portion of the rear cushion 9b is provided at the upwardly convex bent portion of the swing arm 9a.

[0030] The drive unit 2 has an elliptical appearance in a side view and is arranged such that the major axis of the elliptical shape follows the inclination of the main frame 12. The drive unit 2 is supported by the pivot frame 13 from the upper end portion to the rear single portion. The left and right end portions of the pedal crankshaft 2a protrude from the left and right sides of the lower part of the drive unit 2. A pair of left and right pedal cranks 2b are respectively attached to the left and right end portions of the pedal crankshaft 2a.

[0031] Although illustration is omitted, a drive sprocket is integrally rotatably provided on the right pedal crank 2b. A driven sprocket corresponding to the number of speed stages is provided on the right side of the hub portion of the rear wheel 5. A drive chain is wound around the drive sprocket and one of the driven sprockets. A transmission for changing the winding position of the drive chain is provided on the right side of the rear wheel 5.

[0032] As shown in FIG. 10, in the case of the bicycle 1, a dismounted user U may lift the vehicle body and carry it. In the embodiment, in order to make it easier for the dismounted user U to lift and carry the vehicle body, the following frame structure is adopted. That is, in the frame structure of the embodiment, a through hole 25a for the user U to grip is formed in the seat frame 14 above the main frame 12, and a part of the metal vehicle body frame 10 (seat frame 14) can be used as a handle. Thereby, a handle with high strength and high grip can be formed on the upper part of the seat frame 14.

[0033] Referring to FIGS. 2 to 7, the seat frame 14 includes an open cross-sectional portion 21 that extends obliquely rearward and upward from the main frame 12. The open cross-sectional portion 21 includes a flat central plate portion 22 disposed at the center in the left-right direction, and upper and lower wall portions 23 and 24 provided with a specified left-right width along the upper and lower edges of the central plate portion 22. The open cross-sectional portion 21 is formed on both the left and right sides of the central plate portion 22, and has a cross-sectional shape that opens outward in the left-right direction and extends rearward and downward from the upper part of the main frame 12. By extending the open cross-sectional portion 21 in the front-rear direction, the weight reduction of the seat frame 14 is achieved. The seat frame 14 forms a through hole 25a that can be gripped by the user, and is appropriately provided with ribs for reinforcement to ensure appropriate rigidity.

[0034] The upper wall portion 23 is integrally formed by integrating a pair of left and right upper edge ribs 23a that extend outward in the left-right direction from the upper edge of the central plate portion 22. The lower wall portion 24 is integrally formed by integrating a pair of left and right lower edge ribs 24a that extend outward in the left-right direction from the lower edge of the central plate portion 22. The upper and lower edge ribs 23a and 23b correspond to frame outer peripheral ribs along the outer peripheral edge of the seat frame 14 in a side view. The upper wall portion 23 has substantially the same left-right width as the front upper wall 16a1 of the closed cross-sectional portion 16 of the main frame 12, and is connected to the front upper wall 16a1 via an upper arc portion 23b. The lower wall portion 24 has substantially the same left-right width as the rear upper wall 16a2 of the closed cross-sectional portion 16 of the main frame 12, and is connected to the rear upper wall 16a2 via a lower arc portion 24b.

[0035] In a side view, the front portion of the upper edge (upper wall portion 23) of the seat frame 14 curves upward and forward to form an upper arc portion 23b, and merges with the front portion of the upper edge of the main frame 12 (front upper wall 16a1) via the upper arc portion 23b. In a side view, the front portion of the lower edge (lower wall portion 24) of the seat frame 14 curves downward and forward to form a lower arc portion 24b, and merges with the rear portion of the upper edge of the main frame 12 (rear upper wall 16a2) via the lower arc portion 24b.

[0036] In a side view, the upwardly and rearwardly inclined upper and lower edges (upper and lower wall portions 23, 24) of the seat frame 14 are formed substantially parallel to each other. The rear portion of the upper wall portion 23 forms a rear upwardly inclined wall portion 23c that is inclined downward and rearward via a bent portion. The rear end portions of the upper and lower wall portions 23, 24 are respectively connected above and below the clamp pipe 14a. The clamp pipe 14a has a cylindrical shape extending in the vertical direction and inclines the central axis C1 rearward with respect to the vertical direction.

[0037] Referring to FIG. 1, a cylindrical seat post 7a is inserted into the clamp pipe 14a. The clamp pipe 14a fixes and holds the seat post 7a by tightening a pair of clamp bolts 14b. A seat 7 (saddle) is supported at the upper end portion of the seat post 7a.

[0038] Referring to FIG. 3, in a side view, the through hole 25a forms an upper edge 26a substantially parallel to the upwardly and rearwardly inclined upper edge (upper wall portion 23) of the seat frame 14, a lower edge 26b substantially parallel to the upwardly and rearwardly inclined lower edge (lower wall portion 24) of the seat frame 14, a front edge 26c spanning between the front ends of the upper and lower edges 26a, 26b, and a rear edge 26d spanning between the rear ends of the upper and lower edges 26a, 26b. The upper edge 26a is longer in the front-rear direction than the lower edge 26b. The front edge 26c is inclined such that it is positioned rearward toward the lower side, and the rear edge 26d is inclined such that it is positioned forward toward the lower side. The through hole 25a has a trapezoidal shape that is narrower on the lower edge 26b side in a side view. Arc shapes for connecting adjacent edges are respectively formed at the four corners of the side view shape of the through hole 25a.

[0039] In a side view, the vertical width of the seat frame 14 is the width between the upper and lower edges 26a, 26b, and the front-rear width of the seat frame 14 is the width between the rear upper edge of the main frame 12 and the front edge of the clamp pipe 14a. The seat frame 14 forms a through hole 25a that penetrates in the left-right direction in a region within the front-rear width and the vertical width of the seat frame 14 in a side view. The portion of the seat frame 14 where the through hole 25a is formed is referred to as a through hole forming portion 25. The through hole 25a forms a hole inner space 25b surrounded by the upper and lower edges 26a, 26b and the front and rear edges 26c, 26d in a side view.

[0040] The hole inner space 25b is a space formed within the left-right width of the seat frame 14. Referring to FIGS. 5 to 7, the through hole forming portion 25 includes an inner peripheral wall 27 that surrounds the hole inner space 25b of the through hole 25a over the entire circumference of the through hole 25a. The inner peripheral wall 27 is integrally formed by integrating a pair of left and right peripheral wall ribs 27a that extend outward in the left-right direction from the peripheral edge of the through hole 25a. The inner peripheral wall 27 functions as a partition wall that separates the hole inner space 25b from various vehicle parts (such as the rear cushion 9b and the seat post 7a) around the seat frame 14. Thereby, when a user who has gotten off the vehicle passes a finger through the through hole 25a, this finger does not come into contact with the surrounding parts.

[0041] Hereinafter, the portion along the upper edge of the through hole 25a in a side view of the inner peripheral wall 27 is referred to as an upper surface portion (gripping portion) 28a, the portion along the lower edge is referred to as a lower surface portion 28b, the portion along the front edge is referred to as a front surface portion 28c, and the portion along the rear edge is referred to as a rear surface portion 28d. Further, the portions along the arc shapes at the four corners of the through hole 25a in a side view of the inner peripheral wall 27 are referred to as a front upper arc portion 29a, a rear upper arc portion 29b, a front lower arc portion 29c, and a rear lower arc portion 29d. The upper surface portion 28a, the lower surface portion 28b, the front surface portion 28c, and the rear surface portion 28d are each formed in a flat shape that extends in the left-right direction. The flat shape in the embodiment may have a slight curvature not only in a planar shape but also in a side view or a cross-sectional view (refer to the figure).

[0042] The seat frame 14 is formed such that its left - right width increases from the upper edge side toward the lower edge side. Therefore, the upper surface portion 28a is formed with a narrower left - right width than the lower surface portion 28b, and the front surface portion 28c and the rear surface portion 28d are formed such that their left - right width becomes narrower toward the upper side. And the upper surface portion 28a is formed in a flat shape having a substantially constant left - right width and extending in the front - rear direction.

[0043] In this way, by forming the upper surface portion 28a along the upper edge of the through - hole 25a in the seat frame 14 in a flat shape extending in the left - right direction and the front - rear direction, when a user hangs the fingers passed through the through - hole 25a on the upper surface portion 28a and uses the upper part of the seat frame 14 as a handle to lift the vehicle body frame 10 and thus the vehicle, the burden on the fingers can be suppressed and it becomes easier to lift the vehicle. Since the through - hole forming portion 25 includes an inner peripheral wall 27 that surrounds the inner - hole space 25b over the entire circumference of the through - hole 25a, the fingers passed through the through - hole 25a do not contact the peripheral components, and it is suppressed that the movement of the fingers is hindered or the fingers are soiled.

[0044] The upper surface portion 28a is formed with a greater thickness than other portions of the peripheral wall rib 27a. That is, the upper surface portion 28a is formed with a greater thickness in the up - down direction than other portions, and the strength and rigidity against the load when lifting the vehicle are ensured. The through - hole forming portion 25 includes an inner peripheral rib 31 that protrudes from a portion of the inner peripheral wall 27 other than the upper surface portion toward the inside of the through - hole 25a. By providing the inner peripheral rib 31 at a portion of the through - hole 25a other than the upper surface portion, while suppressing the influence on the hand when lifting the vehicle by placing a hand on the upper surface portion 28a, the strength and rigidity around the through - hole 25a are increased.

[0045] Here, at least the seat frame 14 of the vehicle body frame 10 is formed by casting or forging with a lateral die split. In the embodiment, the entire vehicle body frame 10 is integrally formed of the same material. However, for example, the seat frame 14 may be formed separately from other parts and joined to other parts integrally by welding, fastening, or the like. The upper and lower edge ribs, the peripheral wall ribs 27a, and the connection ribs described later in the seat frame 14 extend along the left-right direction (die split direction).

[0046] The seat frame 14 includes connection ribs that extend across between a plurality of rib connection portions 32a, 32b, 33a, 33b provided on the frame outer peripheral ribs. The connection ribs include a front connection rib 32 and a rear connection rib 33. The front connection rib 32 extends linearly and obliquely so as to be positioned more rearward toward the lower side between the rib connection portion 32a in front of the upper arc portion 23b on the upper edge rib 23a and the rib connection portion 32b in front of the lower arc portion 24b on the lower edge rib 24a. The front connection rib 32 is arranged and integrated so as to contact a portion forming the front surface portion 28c of the peripheral wall rib 27a. The front connection rib 32 is also a rib that connects the upper edge rib 23a and the lower edge rib 24a to the peripheral wall rib 27a.

[0047] The rear connection rib 33 extends linearly in an inclined manner such that it is positioned more forwardly towards the lower side, spanning between a rib connection portion 33a at the rear end portion (the rear end portion of the rear upper inclined edge) of the upper edge rib 23a and a rib connection portion 33b at the front-rear intermediate portion of the lower edge rib 24a. The rear connection rib 33 is arranged and integrated so as to be in contact with the rear lower arc portion 29d of the peripheral wall rib 27a. The rear connection rib 33 is also a rib that connects the upper edge rib 23a and the lower edge rib 24a to the peripheral wall rib 27a. For example, a second through hole 34 is formed between the rear connection rib 33 and the lower edge rib 24a. The seat frame 14 has a cross-sectional structure that is open to the outside in the left-right direction and is reinforced by appropriately provided ribs. The seat frame 14 can easily adjust its strength and rigidity by changing the quantity and arrangement of the ribs. The seat frame 14 is covered by the frame cover 35, suppressing the influence on the appearance while having ribs with a priority on function.

[0048] Referring to FIGS. 2, 4, and 6, the frame cover 35 includes a pair of left and right cover members 35a that cover the vehicle body frame 10 from the outside in the left-right direction. The cover member 35a integrally includes a main frame cover portion 36 that covers the main frame 12 from the outside in the left-right direction and a seat frame cover portion 37 that covers the seat frame 14 from the outside in the left-right direction. The seat frame cover portion 37 includes a cover through hole forming portion 38 that forms a cover through hole 38a that overlaps with the through hole 25a of the seat frame 14 in a side view. The integration of the cover members can enhance the design property even when the vehicle body frame and the seat frame are formed separately.

[0049] The cover through-hole forming portion 38 includes an inclined portion 38b that inclines from the side of the through-hole 25a of the seat frame 14 toward the outer side surface on the left and right sides of the cover member 35a so as to widen with respect to the through-hole 25a in a side view as it goes toward the outer side in the left and right direction. Thereby, when trying to reach the through-hole 25a from the outer side in the left and right direction, the hand is guided by the inclined portion 38b and it becomes easier to pass through the through-hole 25a. Also, it becomes a mode similar to chamfering the outer sides in the left and right direction of the upper surface portion 28a of the seat frame 14, and it becomes easier to fit in the hand when gripping the seat frame 14.

[0050] In the embodiment, the upper surface portion 28a is formed by the seat frame 14 and this upper surface portion 28a is exposed in the inner space 25b of the hole, but it is not limited to this configuration. For example, as shown in FIG. 11, the cover through-hole forming portion 38 may include an upper cover portion 38c that covers the upper surface portion 28a of the seat frame 14. By covering the metal upper surface portion 28a with the resin upper cover portion 38c, the touch when gripping the seat frame 14 can be made smooth.

[0051] Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 11, the upper surface portion 28a may be formed only by the frame cover 35 (only the upper cover portion 38c). That is, the upper surface portion 28a only needs to be formed by at least one of the seat frame 14 and the frame cover 35. The mode of the upper surface portion 28a can be appropriately set according to the requirements for the handle of the frame.

[0052] As described above, the frame structure in the above embodiment includes a head pipe 11, a main frame 12 extending rearward from the head pipe 11, and a seat frame 14 disposed above the main frame 12 and supporting the seat 7. The seat frame 14 includes a through-hole forming portion 25 that forms a through-hole 25a penetrating in the left and right direction in a region within the front-rear width and the up-down width of the seat frame 14 in a side view. The through-hole forming portion 25 includes an inner peripheral wall 27 that surrounds the inner space 25b of the through-hole 25a over the entire circumference of the through-hole 25a. The upper surface portion 28a along the upper edge of the through-hole 25a in the inner peripheral wall 27 is formed in a flat shape extending in the front-rear direction.

[0053] According to this configuration, a through-hole 25a is formed in the seat frame 14 above the main frame, and an upper surface portion 28a along the upper edge of the through-hole 25a on the inner peripheral wall 27 surrounding the hole inner space 25b of the through-hole 25a is formed in a flat shape extending in the front-rear direction. Thus, a handle for gripping by placing a hand on the upper surface portion 28a of the inner peripheral wall 27 of the through-hole 25a can be formed on the seat frame 14. Thereby, it is possible to easily lift and carry a device such as a vehicle to which the frame structure is applied. The through-hole forming portion 25 includes an inner peripheral wall 27 that surrounds the hole inner space 25b of the through-hole 25a over the entire circumference, so that the hole inner space 25b is separated from the structural components around the seat frame, and the hand passing through the through-hole 25a does not contact the frame peripheral components and is not hindered in its movement, making it easy to grip the seat frame 14 and suppressing hand dirt.

[0054] In the above frame structure, the inner peripheral wall 27 is formed by a peripheral wall rib 27a extending in the left-right direction at the periphery of the through-hole 25a. According to this configuration, by forming the inner peripheral wall 27 with the peripheral wall rib 27a extending in the left-right direction at the periphery of the through-hole 25a, a structure with a reduced left-right thickness can be achieved on the outer peripheral side of the peripheral wall rib 27a. Compared with the case where the entire seat frame 14 has the same thickness as the inner peripheral wall 27, the weight of the seat frame 14 can be reduced.

[0055] In the above frame structure, the portion forming the upper surface portion 28a of the peripheral wall rib 27a is formed thicker than the portion forming the other parts of the peripheral wall rib 27a. According to this configuration, by forming the portion forming the upper surface portion 28a of the peripheral wall rib 27a thick, the strength and rigidity of the upper surface portion 28a, which is the most loaded when gripping the upper part of the seat frame 14 and lifting the vehicle, can be increased. By forming the portion forming the other parts except the upper surface portion 28a thin, the weight of the seat frame 14 can be reduced.

[0056] In the above frame structure, the through-hole forming portion 25 includes an inner peripheral rib 31 that extends from the peripheral wall rib 27a toward the inside of the through-hole 25a at a portion other than the upper surface portion 28a at the periphery of the through-hole 25a. According to this configuration, by providing the inner peripheral rib 31 at a portion other than the upper surface portion 28a of the through-hole 25a, it is possible to increase the strength and rigidity around the through-hole 25a while suppressing the influence on the hand when gripping the upper part of the seat frame 14 by placing a hand on the upper surface portion 28a.

[0057] In the above frame structure, the seat frame 14 includes frame outer peripheral ribs (upper and lower edge ribs 23a, 23b) along the outer peripheral edge in a side view, and connection ribs (front connection rib 32, rear connection rib 33) that connect the peripheral wall rib 27a and the frame outer peripheral ribs. According to this configuration, by connecting the frame outer peripheral rib along the outer peripheral edge of the seat frame 14 and the peripheral wall rib 27a along the periphery of the through-hole 25a with the connection ribs 32, 33, the peripheral wall rib 27a can be reinforced, and the strength and rigidity around the through-hole 25a can be increased.

[0058] In the above frame structure, the frame outer peripheral rib includes a plurality of rib connection portions 32a, 32b, 33a, 33b for connecting the connection ribs, and the connection ribs connect the plurality of rib connection portions 32a, 32b, 33a, 33b of the frame outer peripheral rib to each other. According to this configuration, by connecting a pair of the plurality of rib connection portions 32a, 32b, 33a, 33b of the frame outer peripheral rib with the connection rib, the frame outer peripheral rib can be reinforced, the strength and rigidity of the outer peripheral portion of the seat frame 14 can be increased, and the strength and rigidity around the through-hole 25a can be increased.

[0059] In the above frame structure, the peripheral wall rib 27a, the frame outer peripheral rib, and the connection rib extend along the left-right direction. According to this configuration, by each rib of the seat frame 14 extending along the left-right direction, when forming the seat frame 14 having the through-hole 25a in the left-right direction by casting or forging, it can be easily formed by mold splitting in the left-right direction while increasing the strength and rigidity.

[0060] In the above frame structure, the main frame 12 extends having a hollow blocking portion 16, and the seat frame 14 extends from the main frame 12 having an open blocking portion 21 that opens outward in the left-right direction. According to this configuration, the main frame 12 has a hollow blocking portion 16, and the seat frame 14 has an open blocking portion 21 that opens outward in the left-right direction, thereby reducing the weight of the entire vehicle body frame 10. The main frame 12 has the blocking portion 16 to ensure strength and rigidity, and the seat frame 14 has the open blocking portion 21 to reduce weight and facilitate manufacturing, while appropriately ensuring strength and rigidity by arranging ribs.

[0061] In the above frame structure, a cover member 35a that covers the seat frame 14 from the outside in the left-right direction is provided. According to this configuration, by covering the seat frame 14 with the cover member 35a from the outside in the left-right direction, the seat frame 14 can be protected and the appearance can be improved.

[0062] In the above frame structure, the cover member 35a includes a cover through-hole forming portion 38 that forms a cover through-hole 38a that overlaps with the through-hole 25a of the seat frame 14 in a side view. The cover through-hole forming portion 38 includes an inclined portion 38b that inclines so as to widen with respect to the through-hole 25a in a side view from the side of the through-hole 25a of the seat frame 14 toward the outer side surface on the outer side in the left-right direction of the cover member 35a. According to this configuration, since the cover through-hole forming portion 38 includes the inclined portion 38b that inclines so as to widen with respect to the through-hole 25a toward the outer side in the left-right direction, when trying to reach for the through-hole 25a from the outer side in the left-right direction, the hand is guided by the inclined portion 38b and it becomes easier to pass through the through-hole 25a, and it becomes easier to grip the upper part of the seat frame 14.

[0063] As shown in the figure, in the above frame structure, the cover member 35a includes a cover through-hole forming portion 38 that forms a cover through-hole 38a overlapping the through-hole 25a of the seat frame 14 in a side view, and the cover through-hole forming portion 38 may include an upper surface cover portion 38c that covers the upper surface portion 28a of the seat frame 14. According to this configuration, since the cover member 35a of the seat frame 14 covers the upper surface portion 28a of the seat frame 14, when the seat frame 14 is made of metal and the cover member 35a is made of resin, the tactile sensation on the upper surface portion side becomes soft, and it becomes easier to grip the upper part of the seat frame 14 by placing a hand on the upper surface portion 28a side.

[0064] In the above frame structure, the upper surface portion 28a along the upper edge of the through-hole 25a in the inner peripheral wall 27 may be formed in a flat shape extending in the front-rear direction by at least one of the seat frame 14 and the cover member 35a. According to this configuration, by forming the upper surface portion 28a of the inner peripheral wall 27 by at least one of the seat frame 14 and the cover member 35a, it becomes easier to meet the requirements (such as strength and rigidity, appearance, tactile sensation, ease of manufacture, etc.) required when providing a handle.

[0065] Note that the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment. For example, although the seat frame 14 of the embodiment is integrally formed with the main frame 12, it may be configured to be coupled to the main frame 12 separately by bolt fastening or the like. The upper surface portion 28a of the through-hole forming portion 25 only needs to extend in the front-rear direction as a whole and have no extreme unevenness or corners, and may have a wave shape (concave and convex portion) less than a specified height along the shape of a finger, for example. In this case, it becomes easier to grip the seat frame 14.

[0066] The frame structure of this embodiment is applied to a bicycle as a vehicle that can be lifted by a user, but it may also be applied to a saddle-riding type vehicle such as a motorcycle. The saddle-riding type vehicle includes all vehicles in which a driver rides straddling the vehicle body, and includes not only motorcycles (including motorized bicycles and scooter type vehicles), but also three-wheeled (including vehicles with one front wheel and two rear wheels, as well as vehicles with two front wheels and one rear wheel) or four-wheeled (such as four-wheel buggies) vehicles. It may also be applied to vehicles in which the prime mover includes an electric motor. And the configuration in the above embodiment is an example of the present invention, and various changes can be made without departing from the gist of the present invention, such as replacing the components of the embodiment with well-known components.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0067] 1 Bicycle (Vehicle) 7 Seat 7a Seat Post 10 Vehicle Body Frame 11 Head Pipe 12 Main Frame 13 Pivot Frame 14 Seat Frame 16 Shut-off Section 16a Upper Wall 16a1 Front Upper Wall 16a2 Rear Upper Wall 16b Lower Wall 16c Left and Right Side Walls 17 Open Cut-off Section 17a Lower Side Wall 21 Open Cut-off Section 22 Central Plate Section 23 Upper Wall Section 23a Upper Edge Rib (Frame Outer Periphery Rib) 24 Lower Wall Section 24a Lower Edge Rib (Frame Outer Periphery Rib) 25 Through-Hole Forming Section 25a Through-Hole 25b Inner Space of Hole 26a Upper Edge 26b Lower Edge 27 Inner Peripheral Wall 27a Peripheral Wall Rib 28a Upper front part (holding part) 31 Inner peripheral rib 32 Front connection rib (connection rib) 33 Rear connection rib (connection rib) 32a, 32b, 33a, 33b Rib connection part 35 Frame cover 35a Cover member 38 Cover through-hole forming part 38a Cover through-hole 38b Inclined part 38c Upper cover part

Claims

1. a head pipe (11); a main frame (12) extending rearward from the head pipe (11); and a seat frame (14) disposed above the main frame (12) and supporting a seat (7), in a frame structure comprising: the seat frame (14) includes a through hole (25a) penetrating in the left - right direction within the front - rear width and the up - down width of the seat frame (14) in side view; a gripping portion (28a) along the upper edge of the through hole (25a) is formed flat and extends in the front - rear direction, characterized in that the frame structure.

2. The gripping portion (28a) is formed in a planar shape extending in the vehicle width direction, characterized in that the frame structure according to claim 1.

3. comprises an inner peripheral wall (27) surrounding the inner space (25b) of the through hole (25a) over the entire circumference; the inner peripheral wall (27) is formed by a peripheral wall rib (27a) extending in the left - right direction over the entire circumference at the periphery of the through hole (25a); a portion of the peripheral wall rib (27a) forming the gripping portion (28a) is formed thicker than other portions of the peripheral wall rib (27a) forming the other portions, characterized in that the frame structure according to claim 2.

4. comprises an inner peripheral rib (31) extending from the peripheral wall rib (27a) toward the inside of the through hole (25a) at a portion of the periphery of the through hole (25a) other than the gripping portion (28a), characterized in that the frame structure according to claim 3.

5. comprises connecting ribs (32, 33) connecting the peripheral wall rib (27a) and the frame outer peripheral ribs (23a, 23b), characterized in that the frame structure according to claim 3 or 4.

6. the frame outer peripheral ribs (23a, 23b) include a plurality of rib connection portions (32a, 32b, 33a, 33b) connecting the connecting ribs (32, 33); the connecting ribs (32, 33) connect the plurality of rib connection portions (32a, 32b, 33a, 33b) of the frame outer peripheral ribs (23a, 23b) to each other, characterized in that the frame structure according to claim 5.

7. the peripheral wall rib (27a), the frame outer peripheral ribs (23a, 23b) and the connecting ribs (32, 33) extend along the left - right direction, characterized in that the frame structure according to claim 6.

8. the main frame (12) has a hollow closed cross - sectional portion (16) and extends, The frame structure according to claim 1, wherein the seat frame (14) has an open cutout portion (21) that opens outward in the left-right direction and extends from the main frame (12).

9. The frame structure according to claim 1, further comprising a cover member (35a) that covers the seat frame (14) from the outside in the left-right direction.

10. The cover member (35a) includes a cover through-hole forming portion (38) that forms a cover through-hole (38a) overlapping the through-hole (25a) of the seat frame (14) in a side view. The frame structure according to claim 9, wherein the cover through-hole forming portion (38) includes an inclined portion (38b) that inclines so as to spread with respect to the through-hole (25a) in a side view from the side of the through-hole (25a) of the seat frame (14) toward the outer surface on the outside in the left-right direction of the cover member (35a), so that the cover through-hole (38a) is wider in the left-right direction as it goes further to the outside.

11. The cover member (35a) includes a cover through-hole forming portion (38) that forms a cover through-hole (38a) overlapping the through-hole (25a) of the seat frame (14) in a side view. The frame structure according to claim 9 or 10, wherein the cover through-hole forming portion (38) includes an upper surface cover portion (38c) that covers the gripping portion (28a) of the seat frame (14).

12. A head pipe (11), A main frame (12) extending rearward from the head pipe (11), A seat frame (14) disposed above the main frame (12) and supporting a seat (7), In a frame structure including a cover member (35a) that covers the seat frame (14) from the outside in the left-right direction, The seat frame (14) includes a through-hole forming portion (25) that forms a through-hole (25a) penetrating in the left-right direction in a region within the front-rear width and within the upper-lower width of the seat frame (14) in a side view. The through-hole forming portion (25) includes an inner peripheral wall (27) that surrounds the inner space (25b) of the through-hole (25a) over the entire circumference of the through-hole (25a). The frame structure is characterized in that a gripping portion (28a) along the upper edge of the through-hole (25a) in the inner peripheral wall (27) is formed in a flat shape extending in the front-rear direction by at least one of the seat frame (14) and the cover member (35a).

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